Rhetorical Analysis Of Churchill's Speech 'Toil, Sweat And Tears'

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Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, in his speech, ¨ Blood, Toil, Sweat, and Tears,¨ addresses the importance of national unity on May, 13 1940, during the Battle of France after he was elected Prime Minister by the King. Churchill’s purpose was to elaborate on the significance of unity during the state of war they were in. Churchill’s usage of pathos, repetition, and anaphora assists in appealing to both sides of the argument and igniting action among the people of Britain. Churchill begins his speech to the House of Commons by acknowledging the fact that he knows not everyone will agree with him. He appeals to pathos by enticing their patriotism, describing the situation by stating, ¨ We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering.¨ Churchill is attempting to instill this patriotic attitude in order to unify the nation in the time of political and national unrest. His patriotic tone appeals to the emotions of the House and persuades them to follow him regardless of political standpoint. …show more content…

He also proceeds to answer a question he thought would be useful to his audience’s knowledge. He says, ¨You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.¨ Churchill uses repetition in his response to the House to underline his main goal; victory. His use of this rhetorical device appeals to his audience because it will be a theme that the House